Common House Plants
The beautiful, easy-care philodendron thrives in dark corners. It responds to regular feeding and watering by growing noticeably faster.
Arrowhead vines (Syngonium) have thick green leaves and are native to tropical rainforests. There are also some with variegated or bark-like leaves.
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are among the most common hard-to-kill houseplants. They tolerate low to bright indirect sunlight and can be found with attractive leaf patterns.
Snake Plant
Snake plant, also called Mother-in-law's Tongue or Sansevieria Trifasciata is a common houseplant that is simple to maintain. It is tolerant of low light and is able to thrive in most climates, making it ideal for any living space. It has a stiff leaf and can grow from six inches to eight feet in length, based on the species. The snake plant is among the most effective air purifiers that can eliminate formaldehyde from indoor spaces.
Sansevierias can withstand drought and don't need to be watered regularly. They can be left alone for months without water and still look fresh which is the main reason they are so popular with beginners to the world of house plants. Although they are tolerant of various conditions there are a few things that could harm a Sansevieria. Overwatering can cause rot, or the roots could capsize, and cold winter drafts can harm the leaves. The snake plant is prone to gnats and fungus, but it is also resistant to most other household pests.
Snake plants are also renowned for reducing work-related stress and improving moods, as well as improving productivity in workplaces and offices. They also help reduce allergies by release of moisture and oxygen into the air, which decreases the amount of dust and pollen that are floating around in the air.
Snake plants are extremely hardy, and can survive droughts and frigid temperatures. It doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, but it can help the plant grow faster and grow larger. Use a powdered or liquid fertilizer for your houseplant to feed the snake plant two times per year. When the top inch or so of mix is dry, water the plant.
Pothos
Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, Epipremnum Aureum or Epipremnum aureum, is a green plant that has heart-shaped foliage. The plant can grow to 40 feet long in tropical forests. In the indoor environment, it is usually a little shorter--a foot or two at the maximum. However, it can grow larger if it is provided with the proper conditions.
Generally, the plant is easy to maintain and does not require high humidity levels. However, the plant may be susceptible to root rot if water is not properly drained after the rain or after a prolonged period of time without water. Watering plants sparingly but thoroughly is the best method to avoid this problem.
Pothos is tolerant of low light, however it grows larger and more vibrant in brighter light. If you notice that your plant isn't growing quickly or if it's creating long gaps between leaves, your pothos probably requires more light. It thrives under fluorescent lighting which makes it a perfect choice for offices.
Pothos can be propagated easily by stem tip cuttings taken from plants which are healthy and bright. The ideal cut is a 4-6 inch tip with a few leaves attached. Cut the tip just above a node (the point where aerial roots develop). Dip the cutting into rooting hormone, stick it into a glass of water and then keep the water humid. Within one month, roots should appear to be beginning to form.
Pothos is available in a variety of varieties. The most popular are 'Golden Pothos,' which has yellow leaves with white stripes, 'Marble queen' with its white marbles and 'Neon' which is a white-splashed pothos. There are other variations in color like 'Jade' Pothos,' which is all-green. 'Pearls and Jade,' which has yellow leaves with white edges and 'Neon', which is generously splattered with white.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are a go-to home plant for those who are new or office workers who are busy, and those who have brown thumbs. They are easy to cultivate and tolerate dry conditions. They also purify air. They're related to philodendrons as well as peace lilies and are known for their ability to eliminate volatile organic compounds like ethylbenzene (benzene), ethylbenzen and xylene from indoor air.
Zz plants can withstand some care, but should you notice that a plant is growing higher than the rest, it's important to cut it away. This will keep the plant visually appealing and stop it from taking over and obscuring light to other parts of the plant.
Rhizomes store water and enable the plant to thrive in dry conditions. potted house plants don't need a special soil however a well-draining potter's mix with additional ingredients such as perlite or lava rock will aid in absorbing moisture better. They also don't need to be fertilized frequently however, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every six months will keep the plant healthy and strong.
All ZZ plants can be toxic if ingested So keep it away from pets and children, and be careful handling the foliage if you're not wearing gloves. The leaves can cause skin irritations in certain people, so make sure to wash your hands after handling it.
One of the most common problems with ZZ plants is when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and wilt. This is a sign that you have overwatered. Make sure to examine the soil for moisture since dry soil can cause rot. It's also a good idea to mist the leaves from time time to increase humidity.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a popular house plant because of its calming scent and ability to cleanse the air. It's also a great addition to the kitchen or bathroom where the aroma can be enjoyed while cooking or taking a shower. The menthol-like fragrance can be utilized to create a variety of herbal remedies. Eucalyptus plants are easy to grow indoors and do not attract pests or diseases. However, there are some things that you should keep in mind when growing one of these trees.
Eucalypts are not tolerant of drastic changes in temperature. They require temperatures of between 65 and 75oF within the home, and plenty of sunlight. Avoid drafty doors and windows and also air conditioning and heating vents. This plant is susceptible to mildew and root rot. To avoid these problems make sure that the soil is well-drained and does NOT remain wet for long periods of time.
It is essential to water lightly so that the soil doesn't get excessively wet. A lot of moisture can cause leaf curl and fungus growth. It is best to allow the soil to dry before watering again.
Certain varieties of eucalyptus like the alpine apple gum Eucalyptus areri as well as the northern gray ironbark Eucalyptussiderophloia, are well-known for their ability to thrive in harsh environments. The latter is a medium-sized tree that is native to Australia's high regions. It is usually found on sandy, nutrient poor soils. It is an evergreen and has a bright foliage with a Glaucous blue color. It is a popular option for landscaping in colder climates due its low canopy that does not block out too much sunlight.
False Aralia
False aralia's fern-like, lacy foliage will bring tropical beauty into your home. The leaves are an airy, "fingered" arrangement with serrated edges that look delicate when young and dark green when mature. Its leaf shape and color makes it stand out from other traditional house plants. The plant is great for tight spaces and is a great addition to narrow corners and nooks.
It thrives in warm climate with a temperature of room. Outside it thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 10, 11, but you'll likely bring it inside during winter. False aralia prefers to avoid soggy soil, but they need an ongoing supply of water. If you're growing them outdoors in hot weather, water more often, but wait until the top inch or two of soil is dry before watering again.
Follow the directions of the manufacturer when adding liquid fertilizer to your houseplants in the spring and summer months to your fake aralia. It's important to not over-fertilize your plant as too much fertilizer can cause it to die or get damaged. False aralia doesn't require much pruning, but you should remove dead or damaged plant parts to keep it neat.
The false aralia is prone to disease and pests It is therefore recommended to keep it out of the reach of other plants in your home. It is susceptible to attack by spider mites that are attracted to dry, dusty conditions in winter, and mealybugs that appear as white, fuzzy specks that appear on the leaves and stems. You can control mealybugs by increasing humidity around the plant and treating the affected areas with pesticides or horticultural oil, or both. False aralia may be a target for fungi, such as those belonging to the Pythium Phytophthora Rhizoctonia genera.